Málaga will monitor signs of swine fever in the new wild boar control contract

The province is currently free of swine fever, a disease that is a major concern for authorities, such as those in Catalonia. It is not a dangerous issue for humans, but it certainly is for the pig population and the natural environment. The exponential increase in wild boars and feral pigs in Málaga adds a new front for control, therefore as a preventive measure: each specimen captured in Málaga city will be monitored to alert for possible signs of the virus. So far, 50 specimens have been captured in the capital.

Across the province, there is an estimated population of 22,000 specimens. It is a matter of concern due to the potential health risks if situations of zoonosis occur (transmission of diseases from animals to humans). In this regard, the College of Veterinarians is finalizing a study with the wild boars captured in urban areas of Málaga and will soon release results, through the One Health Chair.

50

Wild boars have been captured by the Málaga City Council over the past 15 months.

Besides being a health problem, they are an environmental nuisance, can cause traffic accidents and attacks, destroy gardens and public areas...

These days, the Málaga City Council has formalized a new contract to intensify measures, especially in transition and forest areas. The districts most affected by the plague are Este and Ciudad Jardín.

The City Council has awarded the execution of this contract to Grupo SCAES-FAC for 30,000 euros (VAT included) with a duration of one year, extendable for another year, which will continue the actions carried out through previous contracts since September 2024.

More decisive measures such as shooting with bows and anesthetic darts are planned, and it is emphasized that it is crucial not to feed them, in addition to being prohibited.

The network of watering holes in peri-urban areas will continue to try to minimize their descent into the city, and more vegetation will be planted to provide them with more food.

On the other hand, the practice of night vigils and tracking of the herds will continue.

Taking Further Action

The goal with these preventive measures is to create a barrier in the city that prevents their presence in urban areas, although if these deterrent actions prove insufficient, further steps will be taken. In this regard, it is worth noting that the use of bows is one of the methods recommended by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Sustainable Development of the Junta de Andalucía.

These captures will preferably be carried out during night vigils, although if conditions require, they can be conducted during daylight hours when there is no risk to people and no disturbances or disruptions to public services and normal city life. For this, the company must employ qualified and trained archers.